Upholstery making apparatus



June 5- A. s. M ITCHELL- UPHOLSTERY MAKING APPARATUS N W l O 5 June 23, 1936. A. s. MITCHELL UPHQLSTERY MAKING APPARATUS 12 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 25, 1932 June 23, 1936.

A. S. MITCHELL UPHOLSTERY MAKING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 25, 1932 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 wwwpd,

J 1936- A. s. MITCHELL UPHOLSTERY MAKING APPARATUS l2 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed NOV. 25, 1952 June 23, 1936. s MlTcHELL 2,045,363

UPI-IOLSTERY MAKING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 25, 1932 12 Sheets-Sheet 6 rill/all June 23, 1936. A. s. MITCHELL 2,045,353

UPHOLSTERY MAKING APPARATUS Filed Nov. .25, 1932 12 Sheets-Sheet '7 55 Q 94 56 f f: v55 1 1 m" f i June 23, 1936. A. s. MITCHELL UPHOLSTERY MAKING APPARATUS Fil e'd Nov.'25, 1952 I 12 Sheets-Sheet s A. S. MITCHELL UPHOLSTERY MAKING APPARATUS June 23, 1936.

12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed NOV. 25, 1932 T. I ril u l=d l LEI-i:

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WN MN June 23, 1936.

A. S. MITCHELL Filed Nov. 25, 1932 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 June 23, 1936. MITCHELL 2,9453% UPHOLSTERY MAKING APPARATUS Filed Nov. 25, 1952 12 Sheets-Sheet 11' Patented June 23, 1936 UNITED STATES 2,045,363 UPHOLSTERY MAKING APPARATUS Allister S. Mitchell, Detroit, Mich, assignor to National Automotive Fibres,- Inc., Detroit, Mich., a corporation oi Delaware Application November 25, 1932, Serial No. 644,357

'37 Claims.

More especially, the present invention is in-.

tended to provide a machine particularly suited to the use of pre-cut covers in forming cushions, for example, for automobiles.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine having endless conveyor-members for advancing the pre-eut cover fabrics to sewing mechanisms and forming therein seamportions and intervening pleat-fullnesses. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this is accomplished by arranging the conveyors to converge towards the front of the machine.

Another object is to provide an improved machine which will produce upholstery having ta-- pered pleats. In this form of apparatus, means are provided for moving the rear end portions of the conveyor-members, to vary the degree of convergence, as the fabric is advanced to the sewing mechanisms.

In the use of the improved machine as preferably constructed, a cover-fabr'ima lining-fabric, and strips of batting are fed through the machine, the cover-fabric being the lower fabric in the upholstery-forming operation; the lining-fabric has formed therein upstanding seam-portions; the cover-fabric. has formed therein upstanding seam-portions and intervening depressed pleats, or pipes, the seam-ridges of the cover-fabric becoming nested within the seam-ridges of the lining-fabric; the strips of cotton batting, or the like, are drawn through with the fabrics and fill the pipes; and the upstanding, nested seam-ridges of the lining-fabric and cover-fabric are sewed by means of sewing mechanisms mounted on the cross-beam above the path of the materials, each sewing mechanism carrying a sewing needle and a looper needle.

The work is fed continuously through the machine. The lining is a continuous fabric; the

cotton batts are continuous strips; and the coverfabric may be either a continuous fabric or precut covers. In either case, a continuous piece of pleated upholstery may be produced which may be cut into suitable lengths for use in upholstery seats, backs, or the like.

Provision is made for brealn'ng or-severing of I batting strips at suitable intervals corresponding with. the spaces between cushions. That is, the feed of the batting strips is periodically arrested and the strips broken or severed, so that the strips will not extend across the spaces between 5 cushions.

The sewing mechanisms and certain othermechanisms which are disposed above the path of the work, preferably are mounted on a vertically adjustable cross-head. This cross-head is equipped with pairs of lining-creasing members and with a. forming-roll provided with circumferential grooves adapted to accommodate the seam-ridges, and the bed of the machine is equipped with forwardly-converging endless toothed ridge-chains upon which the cover-fabric is carried through the machine, the front portions of these ridge-chains working through grooves of the forming roll. The seam-ridges of the fabrics are brought into nested relation when the materials pass between the ridge-chains and the forming-roll. The convergence of the ridgechains enables them to gather the cover-fabric and in conjunction with superposed shoes to preform the seam-ridges and intervening pleats of the cover-fabric.

When it is desired to form upholstery cushions with tapered pleats, the rear end-portions oi the ridge-chains are moved laterally so as to vary the pleat width as it progresses through the machine; and the lining-fabric is drawn between fixed ridge-bars and presser-members which are adapted to vary the space between the seam-per tions by pressing the fabric between bars to a progressive y increasing degree so that the space between the seam-portions will correspond with the spacing of the seam-portions in the coverfabric.

The inventionis illustrated in a preferred embodiment in the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a broken side elevational view of a machine embodying the invention; Fig. 2, abroken sectional plan of the bed of themachine; Fig. 3, a broken longitudinal sectional view of the machine taken as indicated at line 3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4, a broken elevational view of the rear portion of the machine showing the piece-placing mechanism; Fig. 5, a broken detail elevational view of the cam mechanism for operating the picce placing mechanism; Fig. 6, a broken sectional detail view, taken as indicated at line ,6 of Fig. 4; Fig. '7, an enlarged brokenlongitudinal I sectional view, taken as indicated at line I of Fig. 2; Fig. 8, a broken detail sectional view of the fabric-supporting rock-plate; Fig. 9, a broken sectional view taken as indicated atline 9 of Fig.

3; Fig. 10, an enlarged broken sectional view ofthe front sprocket wheel, taken as indicated at line ill of Fig. 3; Fig. 11, an enlarged plan view of one of the rear sprocket wheel supporting members; Fig. 12, an enlarged broken sectional view showing one of the sewing mechanisms, taken as indicated at line I2 of Fig.- 3; Fig. 13, a broken plan view of a completed strip of upholstery; Fig. 14, a broken elevational view of a modified form of the invention showing the mechanism for forming the lining-fabric used in connection with a cover-fabric having tapered pleats; Fig. 14a, a broken detail sectional view showing one of the presser-members acting upon a liningfabric supported by longitudinal ridge-bars; Fig. 15, a broken longitudinal sectional view taken as indicated at line l5 of Fig. 16; Fig. 16, a broken plan view of the bed of the modified machine, showing the movable converging ridge-chains; Fig. 17, a broken sectional view taken as indicated at line I! of Fig. 16; Fig. 18, a broken plan view of a strip of continuous upholstered cushions having tapered pleats; Fig. 19, a diagrammatic broken elevational view showingmechanism for gathering the lining-fabric to be used'in connection with cover-fabrics having tapered pleats; Fig. 20, a diagrammatic plan view showing the relation between the vertically disposed ridge-bars and Presser-members; Fig. 21, a broken detail elevation showing a lining-fabric tensioning means; Fig. 22, a broken detail elevational view showin the inner rolls of the fabric-tensioning device; and Fig. 23, a sectional view taken as indicated at line 23 of Fig. 21.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, A designates the main frame of a machine which is equipped near its front end with a vertically movable cross-head A and which also has a rearward extension A which constitutes a portion of the bed of the machine; B, a lower feedroll journaled in the front end of the frame and constituting the main drive-shaft of the machine; B' a companion shaft journaled in the frame some distance back of the roll B; B, a chain connecting the shaftsmentioned; B, an upper feed-roll co-acting with the roll B; C, a sprocket drive shaft disposed about midway between the shaftsB and B; C, a series of rear sprocket-wheel shafts around which endless ridge-chains C turn; and D, (Fig. 3), a series of fabric-forming shoes superposed above the ridgechains CHE, a forming-roll journaled-in the cross-head A and vertically movable therewith;- F, (Fig. 2) a sprocket-chain connecting the roll B and the shaft C; G, (Fig. 2) gear-means through which the verticalLv movable formingroll E is driven from the continuously rotating shaft 0; H, (Fig. 3) a continuously rotating battfeeding roll journaled in the brackets H carried by the cross-head A; I, a continuously rotating batt-deflecting roll journaled in the brackets H; J a batt-fee'ding roll journaled on members carried by the main frame, said roll being adapted I bers supp rted on shafts or cross bars M which.

connect brackets M? carried by the cross-head A; N, a series of sewing mechanisms mounted on the crosshead A; O, a thread supporting rack mounted above the front portion of the machine; P, a piece-placing mechanism adapted to feed pre-cut fabrics seriatim to the fabric-ridge chains C and Q, a presser-device adapted to press the cover-fabrics into engagement with the fabric-ridge chains.

The frame A may be of any suitable construction. In the illustration given, a rearward extension A is shown supported at its front end on. a pedestal I of the main frame, and at its rear end on legs 2.

A series of sprocket wheels 3 are keyed to the shaft C so as to be laterally adjustable thereon. The front chain-supporting members 4 are supported on cross members 5 and 6 of the main frame A (Fig. 3), and are laterally adjustable by'means of bolts 1 which engage slots-6" in the cross bar 6. These members support and house the front portion of the chains C and are open at their upper side to permit the chains to en- -gage the cover-fabric. The cross bar 6 is furslot ll' which is engaged by a cap screw H" on the supporting bracket l0 so that the latter may be adjustable thereon. Thecap screw HP extends through a slot in the bracket III so that the ridge-chains C may be tensioned by means of an adjusting screw I! having a lock nut If. The bed A is provided with a pair of longitudinal floor members l3'which extend from the cross bar II to the vicinity of the feed-rolls B and B, These members serve to support the marginal portions of the cover-fabrics U while being gathered and. advanced by the chains C.

The ridge-chains C are of the usual sprocketchain construction and are provided with a series of outwardly extending teeth, or fabric engaging pins I4. The construction of the chain is such that it may be bent laterally to a limited degree as indicated in Fig, 2, without interfering with its operation.

The fabric-forming'shoes D are supported by the cross-bar I! of the frame which is provided with a T-shaped slot I! which is engaged by cap screws l6 so that the shoes may be adjusted laterally thereon. The rear portion of the shoes is turned upwardly as indicated at H. The flange portions l'l' are shaped to closely confine the advancing cover-fabric about the front housing member 4, as indicated in Fig. 9. The shoes extend forwardly to a position beneath the forming-roll E. l

As indicated in Fig. 10, one side of the front portion of the housing members 4 is cut away and stripper-blades 20, which are adjustably secured to the frame A by means of bolts 2|, extend alongside of the ridge-chains C. The top edge-portion of the blades 20 is inclined upwardly as indicated at 20", so that the advancing fabrics'are lifted upwardly from engagement with the pins l4 and directed to the sewing mechanisms N.

The forming-roll E may be of any desired construction and is driven from the shaft C by means of a gear housing G which permits it to move vertically with the cross-head 'A'. Or-

dinarily, it comprises a shaft 22 equipped with 75 adjustable grooved collars 23 through which-the seam-portions of the fabric are carried by the pins l4.

A detailed description of the operation of the batt-feeding mechanism, the lining-creasers, sewing mechanisms, lining-roll support, and thread supporting rack will be found in my Patent No. 1,915,329.

Referring to Fig. 13, it will be understood that the finished strip of upholstery cushions vcomprises the continuous lining-fabric L, a series of cover-fabrics L sewed to the lining-fabricand provided with pleats stuffed with batting designated K. The batt-feeding roll J, described in my application above, is adapted to periodically arrest and effect severance or breakage of the batts so that spaces 25 between the ends of the cover-fabrics I? will not be bridged by the strips of batting, and such a waste of material is avoided.

Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, it will be understood that the cover-fabrics L are not fed directly into engagement with the pins II, but are ad-' vanced to a position above the shafts C and the advance marginal edge portion is held in that position by means of a series of yielding plates 25 which are adjustably secured to a rock shaft 21 by means of bolts 26. The rock shaft 21 is provided with an arm 21" which is connected to a a spring 28 to releasably urge the plate 26 to its upper position. The plate 25 is provided with slots 25 ,which permit the plates to be pressed down around the rear sprocket wheels 3 and permit the pins H to impinge the cover 1?. The swing of the plates 26 may be regulated by a bracket 29 attached to the-bed A and provided with adjusting bolts and 3| which are in the path of the rock-arm 21. The bolts may be provided with suitable lock-nuts 30. and 3H, respectively.

A table-member or platform designated A is mounted on the rear portion of the bed A and the cover-fabrics L are positioned, individually.

on this table from a stack of covers (not shown) by hand.

The bed A is provided with brackets 32 which support tubular slide members 53 upon which the piece-placing mechanism P is reciprocably mounted. The piece-placing mechanism is described in my co-pending application Serial No. 572,691 filed November 12, 1931. It might be 1 stated, however, that the mechanism includes a pair of goose-neck base. members 34 slidably mounted on the hollow shafts 33, and provided with rearward extensions 34 in which is Journaled a rock-shaft 35.

Secured to the rock-shaft 35, are pusher arms 35* whose lower front extremities are equipped with yielding friction-members 35 bers 25" are adapted to frictionally engage the front comer-portions of the cover-fabric and slide it forwardly with its front marginal edge portion over the plates 25. The rock-shaft 35 is further provided with an actuating arm 35 which is linked to an actuating arm 36 of a companion rock-shaft 36 journaled on the upper front portion of the goose-neck 34. It will be understood,

referring to Fig. 4, that the friction-members 35" will be raised through the action of a downwardly projecting arm 35 of the rock-shaft 35, engaging a strike 31 which is mounted on the bed A. The arm 25" is provided with a projection 36" adapted A to be engaged by a trigger-member 38 which is pivoted to the goose-neck slide member 34. The

I ing drive shaft 4! journaled in the bed A.

end portions of the chains 40 are attached to The memsprocket members 40 and front sprocket wheels 4i! which are mounted on a transversely extend- The downward extensions 34 of the goose-neck slidemembers 34 so that the movement thereof is controlled by the rotation of the shaft 4 I. one end of the shaft 4| is equipped with a bevel gear 42 which meshes with a companion bevel gear member 43 which is journaled in the bracket 43 mounted on the bed A. The lower portion of the gear member 45 is equipped with a universal joint 44 so that a depending friction wheel shaft 45 may be swimg forwardly and rearwardly by means of a rock-member 46 which is pivoted to the frame A. The rock-member 46 is actuated by a pitman 41 pivoted at 41* to a rock-member 4B which is provided with a roller 48 and is pivoted to the frame A at 48 A cam 49 controls the movement of the rock-member 48 and is mounted on a shaft 50 which is driven by the shaft B through a train of gears (not shown).

A reversing movement of the piece-placing mechanism is accomplished by alternate engagement of the friction wheel 45 with friction wheels 5| and 52 mounted on the shaft 53 which is journaled in brackets 53 on the frame A The shaft 53 is rotated continuously from the drive shaft 54 by'means of a sprocket chain connection 54.

The mechanism Q is provided to impinge the pre-cut fabric L on the pins it after the fabric has been advanced onto the plates 26. Referring to Figs. 4 and 7, it will be seen that a bracket 55 carried by the frame A supports a presser roll 56 and a rock-shaft 51. The rock-shaft 51 is provided with an actuatingarm 51 and roll-supporting arms 51' in which is journaled a presser roll 58. The presser rolls 56 and 58 preferably are provided with stiff bristles 59 which are adapted to press the fabric into engagement with the pins. The actuating arm 51' is connected to a pitman 60 which, in turn, is pivoted to a trigger-member 5| pivoted at iii to a bracket 62 carrledby the bed A. A spring 60 is connected to the pitman 50 so as to urge the roll 58 into fabric engaging position. In order to raise the roll 58 while the piece-placing mechanism is advancing the fabric onto the plates 26, the trigger-member BI is provided with a pivoted finger 5 I b which extends into the path of the rock-shaft 35. A spring 6l urges the finger ii'l forwardly against a stop Bl on the trigger-member so that the rearward movement of the piece-placing mechanism will not affect the trigger-member. 6|. It will be understood that the forward movement of the piece-. placing mechanism will cause the roll 58 to be raised slightly as the cover-fabric is advanced onto the plates 25 and the roll will then be permitted to swing down, depress the plate GI and impinge'the fabric onto the pins. The roll 56 .further assists in pressing the fabric into engagement with the pins.

The operation of the machine may be described briefly as follows: The piece-placing mechanism travels to its extreme rearward position, the friction-members 35 are lowered into engagement with the pre-cut fabric and advance it until the front marginal portions extend over the plates 26, whereupon the roller 5S! will descend and press the fabric into engagement with the continuously advancing pins I4; as the fabrics are advanced by the chains C they will be gathered into progressively increasing pleat-fulnesses due to the convergence of the chains towards the front of the machine; upon reaching the forming-shoes D, the elevated seam-portions of the fabric will be formed into U-form seam-ridges around the housing members 4; at the same time the lining-fab-- ric L has been advancing down through the lining-creasing members M beneath the formingroll E where said lining-fabric will also be engaged by the pins I4; also the cotton batting strips K will be introduced between the fabrics into the pleat-fulnesses; the stuffed fabrics will then advance under the forming-roll E, be stripped from the pins by the stripper member 20 and fed into the shoe of the sewing. mechanisms where the transverse stitching will be done, as indicated in Fig. 12; the upholstery is then advanced and withdrawn from the machine by means of the rolls B and B In the modified form, R designates the main frame, having a vertically movable cross-head R and rearward extension R S, a forming-roll journaled in the front portion of the main frame; T, -a series of tubular batt-guides through which strips of batting T are fed; U, pre-cut coverfabrics which are fed into engagement with a lining-fabric U; V, piece-placing mechanism; and W, a device for pressing the pre-cut covers U into engagement with the conveyor members.

By modifying the mechanism asindicated in Figs. 14-23, the machine is adapted to form tapered pleats of the character as illustrated in Fig. 18. The machine is practically identical with the one described above with certain additions which will now be explained.

As shown in Fig. 16, the rear chain-supporting members 14 are provided with rigidly connected supports I5 which are adapted to slide on the cross member I6 of the machine. It will be understood that the chain-supporting members are pivotally mounted at their front ends on studs 14. Each of the supports IS (with the exception of the center supportjif an odd number are used) is equipped with a pivotally connected rack-bar II which extends transversely to one side of the machine where each rack is held in engagement with an individual gear 11* by means of springs 11. The gears'are all of different diameters and are fixedly mounted on a shaft I8 journaled in brackets It on the bed of the machine. Due to the difference in the diameter of the gears, it will be understood that when the with a pitman 8| connected to a rock-arm 82 which is pivoted to the main frame at 82. The

opposite end of the rock-arm 82 has a pivotalconnection with a pitman 83 which, in turn, is pivotally connected at 83 with a cam engaging rock-arm 84 pivoted to the main frame of the machine at 84 A cam shaft 85 is continuously rotated by a train of gears (not shown) and is provided with a cam 86 which engages and actuates the rocker-arm 84.

In order to provide the lining-fabric U with seam-portions and intervening pleat-spaces, tapering longitudinally and conforming to the pleat-fulnesses in the cover-fabrics Uwhich it meets beneath the forming-roll S, a special mechanism is provided which is carried by the cross head R and is illustrated, diagrammatically, in Figs. 14 and 19-23.

As shown in Fig. 14, the lining-fabric passes over .a guide-roll 90 carried by an upper frame member 9|, and over'spaced ridge bars 92, whose lower ends are fixedly mounted on the main frame R and the upper ends supported on a rod 92 attached to the frame 9|. ing mechanism has a frame 93 whose lower end 93 projects into a. slot 95 in the cross-head R and its upper end is attached tothe cross-head by means of clamps 96 and bolts 96. A'rockshaft 91 is journaled'in the frame 93 and is provided with a series of laterally adjustable rockarms li'I equipped at their lower ends with presser-rollers 91 The arms 91- are laterally adjustable on the shaft 91 so that the-presser-rollers will engage the lining fabric U about midway between each pair of longitudinal ridgebars 92. It will be understood that the premarrollers are made to=swing between the bars 92 and the amount of swing will determine the pleat-spacing between the seam-portions when the lining-fabric comes into engagement with the pre-cut covers beneath the forming-roll designated S. The shaft 91 is provided with an operating rock-arm 98 provided with a slot 98* to which is adjustably connected a push-rod 99 whose lower end makes a pin-and-slot lost mo-' tion connection with a push rod I00 pivoted at "it to a rock-arm IOI which is pivoted to the main frame of the machine with the rock-arm 84 at 84'. The rock-arm IOI rides on a cam I02 which is fixedly mounted on the continuously rotating cam-shaft 85. A spring 90 is connected to the push-rod 89 so as to urge the member downwardly. It will be understood that as the camshaft 85 rotates counter-clockwise, the arm IOI will be raised gradually and will cause the rollers 91'' to press the lining-fabric between the ridge bars 92 a progressively increasing amount which will provide spaces between the seam-portions to correspond with the tapering pleats in the cover-fabrics.

After the lining-fabric has been depressed to meet the maximum requirement, the cam permits the arm II" to drop down suddenly and swing the The lining-creas- 2,045,868 articles of manufacture which are obtainable on the market, and no invention is claimed therein. They are. each provided with a pair of toothed rollers within a housing, which is open at both fabric are tapered, due to the continuously chang sides and one end, so that a fabric may be drawn through from one side to the other without interference, but lateral movement of the fabric within the housing is prevented. As illustrated in the drawings they comprise a housing I03 in which are journaled rollers I03 which are provided with a series of outwardly projecting fabric-engaging pin points I03. The temple-members are provided with inwardly projecting lips I03 which guide the fabric into engagement with the pins. The temple-members I03 are attached to arms I 04, by means of bolts I04, and arms I04 are pivotally connected at IIM to a cross shaft I05 cariied by the frame 9|.-

In order to swing the temple-members laterally at the proper time, they are each provided with a yoke I05 through which projects a transversely slidable rod I I06 having a pair of fixed collars I06 which engage the yoke. The rods are supported by brackets I06 mounted on the frame 93. The slide rods have pivotal connections I06 with pitmans I01 which are connected to opposite ends of a rock-member I08 which is pivoted at I08 to the frame member 93. The rock-member I08 is provided with a slot I08 to which is adjustably connected a push-rod I09 extending laterally and making a pivotal connection at I09 with a crank IIO pivoted at III] to the frame 93. The crank III) is provided with an arm II0 which extends into the path of the push-rod I00. The upper end portion of the rod I00 is provided with a slot I00 which is engaged by a pin I I I, carried by a bracket II2 on the cross-head R. A spring III!) is connected to the push-rod I09 so as to yieldingly urge the temple-members outwardly. v

It will be understood, therefore, that the rotation of the cam shaft 85, counter-clockwise, will cause the temple-members to swing inwardly, against the action of the spring I09 while the rollers 9'I are being thrust backwardiy between the bars 92, and, accordingly, the fabric is always kept in a smooth and taut condition.

The operation of the machine equipped with the additional mechanism shown. in Figs. 14-23, is the'same as the operation of the machine described above, except that the pleats in the covering distance between the ends of the conveyor members which initially impinge the cover-fabrics, and the spacing between the seam-portions of the lining-fabric is also progressively increased by the action of rollers 9'I 'which move in timed relation to the cover-fabric forming mechanism. It will be understood, that the cover-fabric will not be torn or stretched by the movement of the end portions of the conveyors for the latter are disposed in converging relation and the fabric is being advanced forwardly at the same time the conveyors are spread apart.

Obviously, the mechanism is adapted to form tapered pleats in continuous cover-fabrics as well,

as with pre-cut covers. When continuous fabrics are used, the piece-placing mechanism may be omitted. i

If desired, the pleatsmay be arranged to taper alternately from front to rear and then from rear to front by changing, the shape of cams 86 and I02. If it is desired to do this with pre-cut coverfabrics,-alternate covers should be reversed, end for end, before being delivered to the piece-placing mechanism.

'clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, but the appended claims should be construed as broadly as permissible in view of the prior art.

What I regard as new, and desire to secure b Letters Patent, is:

1. In a machine of the character set forth: a bed over which a fabric may pass; a formingdevice disposed over said bed having spaces through which seam-portions may pass; means comprising forwardly-convergent spaced pleaterconveyors in said bed operative to form and carry raised seam-portions in converging lines forwardly beneath and beyond said forming-device; means for bringing a second. fabric beneath said forming-device and into contact with the seam-portions of the first fabric; and sewing-mechanisms in advance of said forming-device operative to sew said fabrics together at said seam-portions. 2. In a machine of the character set forth: a main frame having a bed equipped with means for gathering and forming a cover-fabric into raised their initially encountered ends substantially in 35 transverse alignment.

3. In a machine of the character set forth: a mainframe provided with a bed and means for gathering and. forming a cover-fabric into-raised seam-portions and intervening depressed pleatfullnesses, said means comprising travelling seamportion-supporting ridge-chains converging to- .wards the front of the machine, each of said chains being provided with impaling pins adapted to positively engage the fabric.

4. In a machine of the character set forth: a main frame provided with a bed; a series ofseamportion-supporting ridge-chains mounted on said bed, said ridge-chains being equipped with fabric-engaging pins; holding means adapted to hold initially the advance-margin of pre-cut fabric above said ridge-chains; and pressermeans n adapted to depress said holding-means and to press the fabric into engagement with the pins.

5. In a machine of the character set forth: a main frame provided with a bed; a series of ridgeohains mounted on said bed, said ridge-chains being equipped with fabric-engaging pins; means adapted to hold initially the advance margin of a fabric above said ridge-chains; mechanism for placing a pre-cut fabric on the fabric-holding means; and presser-means adapted to press the.

fabric into engagement with said pins comprising a rock-shaft having arms, a presser-roll journaled in said arms, and means actuated by the fabricplacing mechanism for lifting said presser-roll from engagement with said fabric.

6. Mechanism as specified in claim 5, in which the means for rocking the presser-roll comprises a rock-arm mounted on-the rock-shaft, an actuating arm pivoted to the bed of the machine, a link connecting the rock-arm to said actuating-arm, and a spring-held trigger member on said actuatingarm in the path of the. piece-placing mechanism serving to move said arm during forward working stroke of said piece-placing mechanism.

7. In a machine of the character set forth: a main frame provided with a bed; means for gathering and forming a cover-fabric into raised seam-portions and intervening pleat-fullnesses comprising a series of endless forwardly convergent spaced conveyor-members adapted to engage the seam-portions of said fabric at its initially encountered ends and carry the engaged portions along convergent lines, thereby effecting pleating of the fabric; and means for changing the angle of convergence of the conveyor-members as they advance said fabric.

8. In a machine of the character set forth: a main frame provided with a bed; means for gathering and forming a cover-fabric into raised seamportions and intervening pleat-fullnesses, said means comprising travelling ridge-chains converging towards the front of the machine, each of said chains being provided with pins adapted to engage the fabric and secure the same on said chains; and means for changing the degree of convergence between said chains while they are advancing the fabric.

9. In a machine of the character set forth: a main frame provided with a bed; travelling ridgechains supported on said bed and converging towards the front of the machine, the rear portion of said chains being slidable transversely on said bed; and means for shifting the rear portion of said chains to change the angle of convergence between the chains in timed relation to the travel thereof.

10. In a machine of the character set forth: a main frame provided with a bed; means for advancing a pre-cut fabric and forming therein raised substantially uniform seam-portions and intervening longitudinally graduated-depth pleatfullnesses; means for forming a lining-fabric into seamportions with intervening fullnesses corresponding to the graduated fullnesses of the precut fabrics; and mechanism for sewing said fabrics together at their seam-portions.

11. A machine as specified in claim 10, in which the means for forming the lining-fabric comprises a series of spaced ridge-bars, and poweractuated means for pressing the lining-fabric between said bars to a progressively changing degree to provide the required graduated fullnesses.

12. Mechanism as specified in claim 10, in which the means for forming the lining-fabric comprises a series of ridge-bars, arock-shaft having a series of arms provided with presserrolls adapted to press the lining-fabric between said bars, and means for rocking said presserrolls into the spaces between the ridge-bars in timed relation to themovement of the pre-cut fabrics.

13. a machine of the character set forth: a bed over which a cover fabric may pass; a forming-device disposed over'said bed having spaces through which seam-portions may pass; forweirdly-convergent spaced pleater-conveyors in said bed operative to carry'the seam-portions in' converging lines forwardly beneath said formingdevice; means for moving transversely the rear-- portions-of said plaster-conveyors as they advance the-fabric soas to form graduated-depth pleat-fullnesses; means for bringing a second fabric beneath said forming device and into contact with the seam-portions of the first fabric; and sewing mechanism in advance of. said form-j ing-device operative to sew said fabrics together.

14. Mechanism as set forth in claim 13, in which means are provided for-pre-forming the second fabric into seam-portions and intervening graduated-depth pleat-fullnesses in timed relation to the advance of the cover-fabric.

15. In a machine of the character set forth: a bed over which a fabric may pass;.a forming device disposed over said bed having spaces through which seam-portions of the fabric may pass; means for advancing said fabric to the forming device and for forming substantially uniform seam-portions with intervening graduateddepth pleat-fullnesses; means for forming a second fabric into substantially uniform seam-portions and graduated-depth fullnesses and guiding the seam-portions beneath said forming device into contact with the seam-portions of the first fabric, comprising spaced ridge-bars disposed above said bed, a rock-shaft having a series of arms adapted to press said lining-fabric between said bars, and means for progressively moving said arms in timed relation to the movement of the first fabric to provide corresponding seam portions and tapered pleat spaces; and sewing mechanisms in advance of said forming device to sew the fabrics together at their seam-portions.

16. In a machine of the character set forth: a main frame provided with a bed; a plurality of endless spaced conveyor-members equipped with fabric-impeding means; and mechanism adapted to vary the angles between said conveyor-members during the feeding of the fabric by said conveyor-members.

'17. A machine as specified in claim 16, in which said conveyor-members comprise endless chains equipped with fabric-impaling members.

18. Amachine as specified in claim 17 in which said conveyor-members comprise endless chains equipped with impaling pins, and means for maintaining the front portions of said chains in substantial parallelism and means for varying the angles between the rear portions of said chains.

19. In a machine of the character set forth: a main frame provided with a bed; and means for gathering and forming a cover-fabric into raised seam-portions and intervening pleat-fullnesses, comprising a plurality of endless chains spaced with relation to each other and equipped with fabric-impaling members; means for driving said chains; and means for automatically varying the spaced relation of said chains during the feeding of fabric by said chains.

20. In a machine of the character set forth: a main frameprovided with a bed; and means for gathering and forming a cover-fabric into raised seam-portions and intervening pleat-fullnesses, comprising a series of spaced chain-housings having substantially parallel front sections and rearwardly diverging rear sections, endless chains having fabric-impaling means projecting above said chain-housings, and adapted to engage the seam-portions of said cover-fabrics, and means "for driving said chains.

21. A machine as specified in claim 20, in combination with pre-cut fabric piece-placing mechanism operative to advance the front margin of the fabricpiece to a position above the rear portions of said chains, and a presser device periodically operative to press the fabric-piece onto the impaling devices at the rear portions of said chains.

'22. In an upholstery making machine: a frame having a bed with spaced longitudinal -seam-portionforming pleater-chains provided with 'fabric-impaling means; piece-placing mechanism operative to advance pre-cut fabricpieces, seriatim, to bringthe front margin c12 the fabric-piece over the rear portions of the pleater-chains; a presser device for moving the fabric-pieces into engagement with the pleaterchains; and means for periodically actuating said presser device.

23. A machine as specified in claim 22, in which said presser device is capable of being raised and lowered and is actuated by said piece-placing mechanism.

24. In an upholstery forming machine: a frame having a bed equipped with spaced longitudinal pleater-chains provided with seam-engaging members; and fabric piece-placing mechanism comprising a platform adapted to support a faband characterized further by a device for deat a plurality of transversely spaced points correpressing the advance margin of the fabric-piece and said depressible means to cause the fabric to enga e the impaling members of the pleaterchains.

26. In the manufacture of upholstery, the steps which comprise: positively engaging a fabric at a plurality of transversely spaced points corresponding with seam-portions/a nd carrying said engaged points forwardly and into closer relation to provide the fabric with such scam-portions andintervening pleat-fullnessesf bringing a second fabric into engagement with the first fabric while said points of the first fabric remain positively engaged; and sewing said fabrics together attheir.

seam-portions as they are advanced. 27. In the manufacture of upholstery, the steps which comprise: impaling a fabric progressively sponding with seam-portions and carrying the impaled points forwardly while lessening the transverse spaces between them, thus providing the fabric with seam-portions and intervening pleat-fullnesses; bringing a second fabric into e'ngagement with the first fabric while said-points of said first fabric remain impaled; and sewing the fabrics together at their seam-portions as the fabrics are advanced.

28. In the manufacture of upholstery, the steps which comprise: progressively impaling a fabricpiece at transversely spaced points corresponding with seam-portions and carrying the impaled points forwardlyd and into closer relation to provide seam-portions and intervening pleat-fullnesses; bringing a second fabric into engagement with the first fabric and into impaled relation therewith; stripping the seam-portions of the fabrics from the impaling devices; and sewing the fabrics together at their seam-portions as the fabrics are advanced over the stripping devices.

29. In the manufacture of upholstery, the steps which comprise: moving a plurality of series of impaling members along convergent lines; bringing a fabric into engagement with successive impaling members at their widely separated points and carrying the impaled points of the several series forwardly and into closer transverse relation and thus forming. scam-portions and intervening pleat-fulnesses, bringing a secondfabric the impaling members and sewing them together as the fabrics are advanced.

'30. In the manufacture of upholstery, the steps which comprise: positively engaging a fabric at transversely spaced pointscorresponding with seam-portions and carrying said engaged points forwardly and into closer relation to provide seam-portions and intervening pleat-fullnesses; bringing a second fabric into engagement with the first fabric while said points of the first fabric are still positively engaged; introducing batting strips into the pleat-fullnesses between the fabrics; and sewing together the seam-portions of the fabrics as the fabrics are advanced.

31. In the manufacture of upholstery, the method of forming tapered pleats, which comprises: positively engaging a fabric at transversely spaced points corresponding with seam-portions and carrying said engaged points forwardly along converging lines and varying the convergence of said lines, thus providing such seam-portions and intervening graduated-depth pleat fullnesses, bringing the second fabric .into engagement with the first fabric while said points of the first fabric are still positively engaged; and sewing the seam-portions of the fabrics together as the fabrics are advanced.

32. The method elf-manufacturing upholstery with tapered-pleats which comprise: positively engaging a fabric at transversely spaced points corresponding with seam-portions and carrying said engaged points forwardly and into closer relation to provide such seam-portions and intervening pleat-fullnesses, the distance between the engaged points at the initial engagement of the fabric being varied; bringing a second fabric into engagement with the first fabric; and sewing the fabrics together at their seam-portions as the fabrics are advanced.

33. The process stated in claim 32, characterized by increasing the distance between the initial points of engagement progressively while the fab ric is being carried forwardly. 3.4. In the manufacture of upholstery having tapered-pleats, the steps which comprise: moving a plurality of series of fabric impaling members along spaced convergent lines having a varying convergence; and causing successive portions of a fabric .to be engaged by said members at points corresponding with seam-portions and effecting progressive variation of the spacing between the points where the initial engagement occurs, the

fabric being then carried forward by said members and formed into such seam-portions and intervening graduated-depth pleat-fulnesses.

35. A method of manufacturing upholstery 7 having tapered pleats, which comprises: feeding a continuous lining-fabric; feeding, seriatim, precut cover-fabrics and forming in the pre-cut cover-fabric substantially uniformly spaced seamportions and intervening pleat-fullnesses of progressively changing depth; and bringing the formed cover-fabrics, in succession, into contact with the lining-fabric and sewing the seam-portions of the fabrics together.

- 36. In a machine of the character set forth: a bed over which 'pre-cut covers may pass; a driven series of forwardly convergent spaced ridgechains mounted in said bed, each chain having a series of spacedimpaling pins serving to pierce and impale the seam-portions of superposed precut covers as they are fed in succession to the rear portions of saidchains: and mechanism'serving to feed-in succession pre-cut covers forwardly and.

the several seam-portions will be carried forwardly and brought into closer relation with each other and pleat-fullnesses will be formed between the seam-portions. v

37. Mechanism as specified in claim 36, combined with means for bringing a continuous lining-fabric into contact. with the seam-portions of the successive pre-cut covers, and sewingmechanisms operative to sew together the seamportions of said covers and said lining.

ALLISTER S. MITCHELL. 

